headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

13
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
52
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.
13
Gloria
Oct. 16, 1981
Melkweg

Bobby's birthday at the world famous Melkeweg. Yummy brownies make this version extra special.
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Comments

Shakedown Street
Dec. 30, 1978
Pauley Pavilion

Disco Dead in the best possible way. Total funk achieved from the moment the seamless transition from PITB is initiated & then you hear Jerry's fingers fly while staying in the pocket like a veteran QB unfazed by the blitz & finding his receivers over & over again on laser focused slant passes. Quick-take Shakedown that packs so much punch in its under 10 minute run it can stand with any of the marathon monsters from later years. Easy +1
Stella Blue
June 30, 1985
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Adding vote bc yes this is a fine melancholy Stella & one of the rare times Jerry’s croaky voice lends pathos to the tune & only reason I hadn’t before is bc of the above spot on comment about the jarring entry into round&round which I always thought was a tragic segue for a tune as beautiful as Stella. Never liked R&R anyway but especially resented launching into it on the heels of SB. Nevertheless this is a fine upvote worthy version. Just make sure to fade out before the buzz kill
Franklin's Tower
March 13, 1982
Reno Centennial Coliseum

and he nails all the lyrics! (Brent does some nice piano flourishes, too. Fast but tight--fine version)
Dark Star
April 5, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

I should stop being amazed, stunned even, when I stumble upon a version of a song I thought I had covered in every era it appeared, but here I am so glad to have checked out this Dark Star based on all the great recs from above. Don't know how this had escaped my purview til now but so what, because hearing the Jerry break-out right after the first verse & hearing him carry it seamlessly into a mellower rhythm jam and some light lovely space, then back into the swirling corkscrew notes section that mark so many of the best '69 Dark Stars- for the first time -is a crazy good trip.
Wang Dang Doodle
April 7, 1991
Orlando Arena

No way this version should be languishing. C'mon & give it a listen, it brings the goods.
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